Chapter 99: No More Pretending—I'm Coming Clean; My Ability Is Rank F

Lin Xiao himself had no idea what had come over him. Before meeting Luo Yao, he had certainly encountered beautiful women, yet not a single one had ever truly moved his heart. He had always believed that women existed only to slow his hand when drawing the blade. Yet everything changed the moment he met Luo Yao.

At the auction, it was merely the sound of Luo Yao’s voice that made his heart thump wildly, and the mere glimpse of her silhouette and the graceful curve of her back left him unable to forget her. He’d thought perhaps he was overthinking it, that he’d likely never have the chance to see her again. Yet unexpectedly, just two days later, fate brought her before him once more—and Luo Yao turned out to be his classmate.

This, surely, was destiny.

Of course, Lin Xiao wasn’t so naïve as to think he could pursue Luo Yao immediately; that was hardly realistic. But after some time, if things felt right between them, he’d certainly be willing to give it a try.

Naturally, Luo Yao knew nothing of Lin Xiao’s thoughts. All she wanted was to wait until the class meeting was over and then give Lin Xiao a piece of her mind.

...

The moment the elderly man entered, the students fell silent again. Their gazes were filled with reverence as they looked at him. Lin Xiao noticed this and gently nudged Hu Yu, who was seated beside him.

“Who is he? Why does it seem like everyone knows him?”

Hu Yu gaped at him. “Brother Xiao, are you serious? You came all the way to the Capital’s Spirit Martial Academy and you don’t even recognize our principal?”

Lin Xiao scratched his head sheepishly. He truly didn’t know. But what was the principal doing in their classroom? Was he really going to be their advisor? That seemed a bit far-fetched.

The old man walked up to the lectern and surveyed the students with a satisfied nod. When his eyes fell on Luo Yao and Lin Xiao, his smile grew even brighter. Lin Xiao noticed this keenly and understood the reason—he was, after all, someone with a special connection.

Lin Xiao was right. Ordinarily, as the principal of the Capital’s Spirit Martial Academy, he would never personally serve as class advisor, not even for a class boasting a genius like Luo Yao. But Lin Xiao’s presence had prompted him to take on this class himself. After all, for both of his predecessors to personally recommend someone for his care—how could he not be curious?

“Hello, students. I believe you all know me, but for the sake of formalities, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Chu Wentian, principal of the Capital’s Spirit Martial Academy, and I will also be your class advisor. I am a Level 9 SSS-ranked Special-type, Ability: Sword. I hope, in the days to come, I can be of help to you all.”

Though most had already guessed as much, hearing Chu Wentian confirm he was indeed their advisor sent a wave of excitement through the class, and applause thundered all around.

Chu Wentian raised a hand to quiet them. “The purpose of today’s class meeting is simply for everyone to get acquainted, and to select a class monitor. We’ll start with introductions—from this student here.”

The named boy hurriedly stood, bowed to Chu Wentian, and then made his way to the podium. “Hello everyone, my name is Feng Ziang, from Pengcheng, Level 2 SS-ranked Earth-type. I enjoy playing basketball. I look forward to getting to know you all.”

As soon as Feng Ziang finished, the class broke into applause. Chu Wentian nodded and gestured to a girl.

Unfazed, she took to the podium. “Hello, I’m Wu Xinyue, Level 2 SS-ranked Healer, from Luoyang. I love listening to music.”

...

“My name is Xu Jingyi, Level 3 SSS-ranked Psychic, from Luoyang.”

...

As Lin Xiao listened to each introduction, his emotions were mixed. No wonder this was the elite class of the Capital’s Spirit Martial Academy—each student was more extraordinary than the last.

Finally, it was time for the four brothers of Room 303. The first to step up was Wen Jingxuan, who immediately drew the attention of many girls in the class.

“Hello, I’m Wen Jingxuan, male, interested in women, Level 2 SS-ranked Gravity Manipulator!”

“I’m Sun Bin, love working out, Level 2 SS-ranked Beast Transformation, type: White Tiger.”

“I’m Hu Yu, love making money, Level 2 SS-ranked Beast Transformation, type: Black Tortoise.”

After their introductions, whispers began to spread throughout the class.

“Whoa, aren’t these the infamous Three Menaces of the Capital? Didn’t think they’d all end up together—looks like our class is in for some lively days.”

“So that handsome guy is Wen Jingxuan, the notorious playboy? I was hoping to use proximity to my advantage, but now, maybe it’s best to forget it.”

“If you don’t want him, I’ll take him! I don’t mind if he’s a playboy!”

“Hey, girl, aren’t you being a little too desperate?”

Amidst the commotion, Lin Xiao slowly made his way to the podium. Seeing him, Chu Wentian’s smile brightened yet again; he was truly intrigued by this young man—after all, someone recommended by not one but two of his predecessors was surely no ordinary talent.

Lin Xiao hesitated, unsure how to introduce himself. Should he go with the Power-type listed on his acceptance letter, or reveal his true ability? After a brief inner struggle, he made up his mind.

“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Lin Xiao, from Xuncheng. I have many interests, but I won’t list them all here. My acceptance letter lists me as a Level 2 SS-ranked Power-type. I hope we’ll all get along.”

He congratulated himself on his cleverness. This way, even if others found out later that he’d lied, they couldn’t really hold it against him—his acceptance letter really did say SS-ranked Power-type.

Just as he was about to step down, a student below spoke up.

“What do you mean, ‘listed as SS-ranked Power-type’? Isn’t your ability actually Power-type?”

Lin Xiao hadn’t expected his fib to be caught so quickly. With one student speaking up, others caught on, and soon every eye was fixed on him. Indeed, it was odd that he’d said “listed as” Power-type—was there something off about his credentials?

Chu Wentian looked at Lin Xiao with an amused expression; he knew about Lin Xiao’s situation and was curious how the boy would handle this predicament.

Though Lin Xiao’s head ached for a moment, he quickly relaxed. He’d be spending plenty of time with these classmates, and they’d find out his true ability sooner or later. Why not just come clean now?

“Didn’t think you’d catch that so fast. I won’t pretend any longer—I’ll lay my cards on the table. My real ability is F-ranked Visual Enhancement.”

Lin Xiao had no idea the stir his words would cause among the students. This was, after all, the elite class of the Capital’s Spirit Martial Academy. Even if he’d claimed to be an unprecedented 4S ability awakener, they’d have accepted it. Yet Lin Xiao claimed his ability was F-rank.

So the question arose—how had Lin Xiao made it into this class?

Corruption! There had to be some under-the-table dealings!